Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Firefighting is continuing at Walter Peak, where changeable winds are creating additional challenges for crews working on steep slopes.
District Commander Blair Kiely says that crews are making progress with about 15 percent of the perimeter secured, but there is a significant amount of work still to be done.
“The fire is burning both up and down hill in complex terrain, creating additional challenges for our firefighters.”
Crews from the Department of Conservation (DOC) are working alongside Fire and Emergency volunteer firefighters. All of the ground crews assigned to this fire are trained and experienced in operating in challenging, rugged conditions and are a valuable part of the coordinated response effort.
Today’s efforts are focused on extending the contained area and protecting livestock in the vicinity, while maintaining the ability to protect the Walter Peak homestead and associated buildings if wind changes drive the fire nearer.
Blair Kiely says forecast rain could assist suppression efforts but may also create additional operational challenges.
The fire is not posing any risk to Queenstown or other communities along Lake Wakatipu. Drifting smoke will continue to be seen and smelled in a wide area, with exact locations changing as the wind shifts.
Air quality around affected areas may be impacted by smoke. Health New Zealand advises that people who are sensitive to smoke, including those with heart or lung conditions, those who are pregnant, young children, and older adults, may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
People affected by smoke are encouraged to:
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Set air conditioning systems to recirculate or turn them off.
- Air out homes once smoke conditions have improved.
- Check on children, older people, and others who may be more vulnerable to smoke.
- Keep pets indoors where possible and ensure they have access to clean water and food.
Blair Kiely has thanked the boating community for continuing to stay away from the incident area so that aircraft can operate safely.